Now is the time to start thinking about winter wardrobe. Milking in the winter is quite a challenge when it is cold, as are other farm related tasks. For those who sew/craft, August is the time to start thinking about making warm clothes for winter. I find that a crocheted shawl works wonders at keeping me warm. The one I have is triangular, I wrap this around my head and in front of my face. This keeps my head. Yes I do look like an Afgani sheperdess, but when it is cold out I could care less what I look like, just so long as I'm warm. Also I have found that for a woman serious layering is in order. I wear mostly dresses. My standard winter wardrobe is stretch knit pants, with a full length flannel underskirt, and a full length wool or flannel overskirt. This is very warm. The layers in combination create much more warmth for me than a pair of jeans. I have been experimenting with crocheting my own boot socks to wear with boots. I have found that worsted weight yarn makes terribly uncomfortable socks. The key is using much finer yarn, but the socks take much longer to make. Also I am thin king about making a quilted skirt. Has anyone ever worn one of these?

Little Bit Farm

-- Little Bit Farm (littlebit@brightok.net), August 04, 2003

Answers

I alsomake pantaloons for me and my daughter. Although I have found that a good pair of knit pants(which I would never wear alone mainly for the benifit of others)also work well underneath a skirt. In the 1800s women wore 9 layers of clothing. I certainly can't imagine that in the summer, but I bet they stayed warm in the winter. I can imagine it would take many layers of clothes to live with the uneven heating in most homes at the time. One trick to keep your feet warm is to sprinkle a little chili powder into your socks. it is best to have some special socks for this purpose, as the chili powder will stain.

Little Bit Farm

-- Little Bit Farm (littlebit@brightok.net), September 02, 2003.

I haven't tried making a flannel overskirt yet but for the last two years I have worn flannel, full slips under my dresses and they help a lot, especially if worn under a flannel dress.

-- Terry - NW Ohio (aunt_tm@hotmail.com), August 18, 2003.

A few years ago I paid $18.00 for a pair of wool tights. They were very warm but didn't last long enough (for the price :->) to justify the cost, especially since they are now almost $30 a pr. Last year I found heavy ribbed tights with gusset, at an Amish store for $6.99 a pair. I didn't wear them daily, only when going to town, church, etc. because they are not cotton or wool but 70% acrylic and 30% nylon, however, they are SO warm. In case anyone is interested in looking for them, the brand name is "Yoffi". They are super soft and very warm.

-- Terry - NW Ohio (aunt_tm@hotmail.com), September 02, 2003.